Possible coolant problem

[Puff]

Hi all,

Today I took my bike out for a ride on 1 Jan 2010.
Before I started it up, I did my visual inspection.
Saw a very small puddle of coolant on the floor
under the water pump, so I tightened up those
hose clamps a bit.
Then I started the bike, and a bit of whitish smoke
came out of the left pipe. I started looking for signs
of coolant. I saw coolant on the flange between the
left header and the pipe. As the bike heated up, that
bit of coolant evaporated. As I ran the bike, the whitish
smoke went away. The bike ran just fine today!
My question is I wonder if the head(s) should be retorqued?
I could not see any trail of coolant to the flange. I will
visually inspect it daily now, and start it up, and take notes.
I now have 56,000 miles on the bike, and I just wanna make
sure I keep things in check.
Will all you gurus with a WHOLE LOT MORE knowledge than me
please give me your thoughts. I am sure the cold temperatures
cause things to contract, and maybe "permit" leaks to develop.
Thanks ahead of time for your knowledge and input.

Bill

[Tom]

BIll... The ZZ4 had an issue with the head bolt torque as I`m sure you know, and I have seen quite a few that needed it... I would do that to start for sure.
Another suggestion is alumiseal in the radiator... about half of the container should do it.. I know... I`m gonna get slammed for that one because they say it harms the pump seals but I have used it in every bike I have had with no problems....

[zenbiker]

You probably have an intake manifold leak. Check the tightness of the front bolts. The arrangement is dumb and uses the same studs for the intake manifold and motor mounts. Happened to me twice! Vibration, eventually loosens them.
Of course, check the head bolt torque..if loose, usually the right rear but I'd bet against it.
The problem will not go away, sorry to say, and the leak will worsen in time.
Mechanical failures just don't spontaneously resolve despite our yearnings!

[Puff]

Found the leak to be the hose clamp on the thermostat housing.
Will now begin to drain and remove tank. Then I will replace the
upper radiator hose along with the clamps. Any suggestions for
a good quality upper radiator hose?


Bill

[Puff]

Well, I replaced the upper radiator hose and clamps.
Buttoned the bike up, and started it to let it run and
warm up, then shut it down to see what happens.
Now only one little issue, and that is the radiator
cap! I think I found some circular caps with the
V8 symbol on them. This time, I will order TWO!

Thanks for all your suggestions guys!
I appreciate all your help, as I ALWAYS will !

Bill

[zenbiker]

Hi Bill.....but why the white smoke from the exhaust? Hope clouds observation! I'd re-torque the heads for sure.